Abstract

An integrated microalgae-based system for urban wastewater treatment, microalgae production and bioenergy generation through anaerobic digestion was evaluated over a period of one year. The pilot HRAP was effective at removing COD (similar to 80%) and ammonium(similar to 95%) and robust, despite common variations in wastewater composition and weather conditions in the Mediterranean region. Biomass production showed a strong seasonality, reaching an annual average of 10 g TSS/m(2).day and the highest values in spring (23 g TSS/m(2).day). Conversely, the macromolecular composition was fairly constant (58% proteins, 22% carbohydrates and 20% lipids). Predominant microalgae species varied throughout the year, influencing biogas production. Indeed, the anaerobic biodegradability of harvested biomass was 20-25% in July-October 2012 and May-July 2013 and 25-38% in November 2012-April 2013. Adapting the content of particulate inert COD in Anaerobic Digestion Model No. 1 (ADM1) was crucial for model calibration. After adjustment, ADM1 was able to predict microalgae anaerobic digestion performance, which showed an average methane yield of 0.09 L CH4/g COD at 15 days HRT and 0.16 L CH4/g COD at 20 days HRT. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.